Our First English Road Trip - In Honor of Labor Day

This ex-Pat was feeling homesick and missed the beach on Labor Day this weekend. So we decided to venture out and explore the countryside a little this weekend. We mixed a bunch of things we love: England, traveling with our dog(s), eating, and the beach in one four hour trip.

My honey did all the planning (which I love), I picked up a healthy picnic lunch from Marks & Spencer that included mini thai wraps and low-fat hummus with carrots.  (Trying to balance out our meals between cheese, bread and wine)

We packed our backpacks with a picnic, some cider, our cameras and iPhones, threw some chairs in the boot (yes, I said "boot") and headed for the The New Forest with Harold our bulldog mix in the backseat. The New Forest is just 10 miles or so from our house, so we figured we'd be there in no time! Little did we know...

Our first stop was Lyndhurst to the official visitor's center. Apparently, this is a popular little town because it took us at least an hour to get to the visitors center. We were so frustrated, that we almost gave up. But we eventually made it there and Harold and I waited in the car while Alex went in. He and I decided to share some carrot sticks and hummus. Harold likes hummus!

We then headed to Lepe Country Park. We were able to make it there in about 20 minutes. Lesson learned...next time skip Lyndhurst! It's probably a great little town, but we really wanted to explore the countryside instead.

On the way to Lepe, we were amazed to see horses and ponies roaming freely amongst the countryside. We had to stop once to allow for a pony in the road.

We pulled over along the way to take some pictures and let Harold check the horses out. He didn't like them very much. This is a picture of Harold and I hiding from the horses. Neither of us looks very happy, do we? I'm upset because I broke my favorite sunglasses on a business trip the week before and had to wear my old Chanels...they are just not "me" anymore. Harold is totally freaked by the giant horse that decided he wanted to stand in the exact spot Harold and I were standing. (ok...I was a little freaked about that too)

By the time we got to the beach we were all ready for some fresh air and a picnic. The beach had little to no sand on it and it was cold, but it really hit the spot.

Harold and I searching for sea glass...

Harold looking cute...

Harold asking for just one Thai chicken wrap.

Pretty greenery next to the beach.

Alex washing her hands in the sea after lunch.

Our view during lunch...lovely.

Horses in a field just behind the beach.

More horses in the field. 

All told, it was an incredible day. The salt air is so healing for me and I felt content on the car ride home and looked forward to a meal that I had been planning on cooking all week. I forgot to mention that I started marinating some chicken to be prepared when we got home. 

Links to dinner recipes:

Chicken thighs with miso and ginger - YUMMY! (PS, you can get away with marinating the chicken for less than 24 hours)

Asian Cucumber Salad - Delicious! (We cut the sugar by about half and added extra cucumbers and sesame oil)

I'm looking forward to many more days like this one while we're here in England!

Being a Passenger in England - Please Pass the Alcohol!

Ok, so driving in the UK is challenging for an Ex-Pat, we all know that.

You don't know what most of the traffic signs mean...roundabouts are stressful and using your left hand to shift gears takes some getting used to.

But being a passenger? ummmm....wow!

My honey finally arrived in England this month and she started picking up some of the driving responsibilities. If you think your perspective is odd while you are driving on the right side of the car, it's WAY worse when you are a passenger on the left side.

Alex is an excellent driver and she did most of the driving in the US. And I like to think that I am a very good passenger (defined as "limited"to "no" backseat driving). However, when I arrived to work one day this week, my colleague asked me if I was ok...she said I looked really bothered. The truth was that I was so tense that I needed a yoga class, a massage, a large glass of wine or all of the above. I'm bordering on an anxiety attack just thinking about it now.

So each day she drives...I try...I REALLY try to keep calm. I know I'm annoying....I know I'm not helping matters...I want to be supportive, but it's SO hard!

Any suggestions from my loyal followers?

Adjusting to Life as an Ex-Pat

I received an email yesterday from one of my (8) loyal followers who commended me because it seems that I am adjusting to life in England so well. This got me to thinking...am I adjusting? Am I giving one perspective on this blog and really feeling something different? How am I, really?

The answer is that I've accepted where I am, but that living here is not all kittens and puppy dogs. It's been really difficult leaving my family behind for a few months while I get settled here and they prepare to come here. I've found that my mind is so full of things that need to be done, that I forget the silliest things (like the pin number for my debit card). I am lonely and consider my laptop to be my friend (kind of like Wilson the volleyball in that Tom Hanks movie). At times, I get too focused on work and realize that my teeth are clenched, my neck and shoulders are sore and I haven't done anything to take care of "me" all day. I miss seeing my friends and being able to make plans for dinner with family.

I get through this all by focusing on the positive and the possibilities, by trying to rememember to take care of myself and by taking advantage of what living in Europe affords me. I meditate, go for bike rides, do mantras and get massages. I treat myself (too often) to dinners that consist of baguette, camembert cheese or something like a huge bowl of pasta and two glasses of wine! I am very friendly with the cashiers at the local grocery market...when they ask if I'm alright, I'll launch into the fact that I am new to the town, to the country and that I will be here for two years. They are usually kind and listen to me and give me a smile. I use technology to connect to my loved ones via FaceTime. I think about what I am grateful for and try to get some exercise every now and then.

Basically, I am using the same coping mechanisms I used back in the US to cope with life here.

Take rest; a field that has rested gives a bountiful crop.  ~Ovid
Some things I am grateful for today (not in any particular order):

• kindness of strangers
• personal strength
• camembert cheese
• the internet
• my health
• the love of someone who completely accepts me for who I am....who I feel at ease with whenever I am around...who loves me so deeply I think we've known and loved each other in a different life.
• family

Some things I am not grateful for today (in no particular order):

• that my temporary bed (an air mattress) has sprung a leak and I wake up in the morning between two giant air bubbles, but essentially sleeping on the floor
• the fact that despite signing up with my cable/phone/internet provider 6 weeks ago, my phone was just turned on last week and I'll have internet at the end of this week! (don't ask about cable!)

Driving to Work and Being Thankful

It's the little things in life...that's what I always say.

I had a good reminder of this upon arriving to the office this morning...feeling all proud of myself, because I drove to work all by myself. Big deal, right? "Wow, Melissa...you were able to get in a car like most people do and drive to work." But for me, this is a reminder of how strong I am. Not only did I drive myself to work, but I flew myself to England, moved myself into a new house, bought myself a new car, got myself insurance and then drove on the "wrong side of the road" in the "wrong side of the car" to the office. So yes, I am proud of myself and thankful that I have the opportunity to do all of this. 

Here are some other things I am thankful for today:

1. Visitors from America (present company and future visitors!)
2. Hazlenut coffee (it's not easy to find in the grocery stores here...but we've got it at work for free!)
3. My health
4. My family
5. Train times iPhone app. This app was a game changer for me...gave me the confidence to hop on trains like I knew exactly where I was going! (because I did) 
6. The weather in England
7. Kindness of strangers

Salty Fingers...Cheddar and Sour Cream

I was back in the states this weekend and just had to pick up a bag of Ruffles(R) Cheddar and Sour Cream potato chips (yes, chips).

These are far and away my favorite chips, ever. They are the perfect mix of cheesy, salty and creamy flavor that my palate reacts to. It's hard for me to go into a WaWa back home and not pick up a bag of these. This may be the reason why my jeans don't fit so great after visiting for 10 days.


I must give these chips three salty fingers out of three...don't pass them up!


BTW - It occurred to me when I was in a WaWA parking lot that the rating system should not be based on three fingers, but five...since most people have five fingers on each hand. What are your thoughts?

Transitions - Living Like a Donkey

Tomorrow marks the first day of moving in to our home for the next two years. I'll be lugging four 60 pound bags, three fabric grocery bags, a laundry bag filled with dirty clothes and my giant backpack down the stairs to a driver who hopefully will be willing to help me put all this sh*t in his car. I will be taking a phased approach to this move over the next few days, which will include lots of train rides with large roller bags in tow.


I can't help but feel a little like a donkey because they are known to be able to carry lots of stuff. But also, with a little research, I learned that donkeys are stubborn, have a strong sense of self preservation are intelligent and cautious, friendly, playful, and eager to learn. We have a lot more in common than I thought. ;-)


This move has not been easy on any of us. When my partner and I were first considering this move, we were super excited. As we got deeper and deeper into things we realized that not only is it incredibly time consuming and exhausting to move, it's way more difficult than we ever expected. Life goes on when we're not around and our loved ones will be going through a lot of change. Change that we wish we could be more a part of. All I can say is thank goodness we have technology that allows us to communicate via video and it's free! 


Looking forward to the next chapter in our life...to lots of travel(heading to Belgium on Tuesday)...lots of visits from and to loved ones...learning about other cultures and how to work in a global company...oh and lots of good food!


And I'll keep that donkey in mind for the next two years...especially the playful part!

The Gloves are Coming Off

So...I'm walking through the train station yesterday and what to my wondering eyes do appear, but a very skinny man in white spandex bike shorts.

Seriously? Why, on earth, would anyone walk out of the house thinking that was a good choice?

And we all know how much it rains here in England...I really feel sorry for the poor soul that saw him after the rain.

Trying to be nice, but this is just ridiculous.

An Update on the Driving Experience...

All I have to say is "Oh Shit!"

I have a new found respect for driving instructors everywhere.

Trying This Driving Thing...

Today marks the beginning of another brand new experience...driving in the UK!

We've signed up for an all day driving course called "Driving and Surviving" and we have to provide our own car for this course! Strange, right?

So today, we are renting a car in preparation for the big day.

There are a couple of issues here:
1. We've got to rent a car and DRIVE the car this weekend without any lessons.
2. Not only do we have to drive the car a few miles this weekend, but we have to drive it on a highway on Monday to a place we've never been before so someone can teach us how to drive. Seems silly and a bit dangerous, don't you think?

Thankfully, my honey is more brave than I am and will drive us, pre-lesson. I think I'll bring a blindfold and gag to avoid being a "left side seat driver"

More to come...

Salty Fingers - Cheese & Onion

Have you ever had a case of the afternoon munchies? I think we all have. Suffice it to say that I had a bad case today and just happen to have a snack machine close by.

So today, I satisfied my need for a snack with some crisps that I haven't yet tried (even though the snack machine at the office has my favorite) for YOU my faithful readers.

So today, it's Cheese & Onion.

I give these two Salty Fingers out of three. They're yummy,  but if given a choice, I'd reach for another flavor.

Salty Fingers...

Before moving to England, people who had spent any time here often mentioned the "crisps" and how they are way better than our "chips".  Wikipedia does define chips and crisps differently and includes a multitude of snacks fried in oil as "crisps". If you're really interested, you can learn all about it here.

However, I still consider it my duty as your source of valuable and insightful information to conduct a thorough investigation.

So, I've assigned a rating system and will report to you my findings. The rating system is as follows:

1 Salty finger - hardly worth the effort to open the bag...
2 Salty fingers - would eat them again, in a pinch...
3 Salty fingers - Do not pass these bad boys up if you have a chance to try them!

For the first report, I give you "Walkers(TM) Roast Chicken" crisps:

In my humble opinion...these crisps are absolutely delicious and deserve Three Salty Fingers out of Three! Simply delicious and highly recommended. 

Are you alright?

I've been interested by how some people here in England will ask "Are you alright" instead of "How are you?"

For a woman who feels like a fish out of water, this question is particularly amusing because it immediately gets me thinking "Why did she just ask me if I'm alright? Do I look tired? Did I do something so ridiculous that she wants to know what is wrong with me?"

But, after using my keen observation skills, I realized that this is how some people here inquire about your general well being. I'm alright, you're alright. :)

Surviving the First Week

By this time, I've actually made it through three weeks, but I typed up this post after my first week and thought I'd make it my first even though it's a little delayed. 

I'd been in a fog all week due to time changes, lack of good sleep, new patterns and a little bit of homesickness. It was REALLY helpful that I have FaceTime to see and talk to my honey and that my friend Kris was here to keep me company.

So here's a rundown of my first week:

Tuesday - arrived safely and went straight to the office because I
couldn't check into my flat until 3:00. Get to my desk, pull out my
lease for the phone number of the property mgr to let him know when I'd
be picking up my key and realize that my lease starts the NEXT day! I
have no place to stay! Called him anyway to see if I can check in early
and no such luck! I was lucky enough to find a hotel, but this meant
dragging 150 pounds of luggage into the hotel and up to my room. Happy
to have a place to stay! Popped an ambien, watched some tv and fell
asleep!

Wednesday - first day using the train to and from work. This is a very
new experience for me, so it was nerve wracking! Successfully bought a
monthly pass (I know...no big deal...but it was for me). Almost got on a
train to Manchester, but people are so nice here and I quickly realized
it and hopped off the train. Got to Basingstoke and realized that I
wasn't entirely sure where the shuttle pick up was. Had a minor panic
attack, then found a woman who's on my team and she guided me in the right direction. 

I had an all-day meeting then found the shuttle back to the
station and almost got on the wrong train back to Reading. Met the
property mgr at the door of my temporary home and dragged 150 pounds of
bags up three flights of stairs! BTW, my flat has no freezer and no AC!
Lesson learned...when renting a flat in the UK make sure they say "fully
fitted" kitchen. It's good to be "home" and to unpack. Made my first
trip to the grocery store...so much fun looking at all the different
things (yes, grocery shopping IS fun for nerds like me). 

Thursday - Showers are invigorating...especially when there's no HOT
water! For some reason they turned the water heater off before I checked
in and didn't feel the need to remind me to turn it on. On the bright
side, it was exactly what I needed to wake me up! Made it to work with
no problem. Met my friend Kris and one of her old colleagues for dinner in London! I made it all the way to London via train and took the tube all by myself to Leicester Square! Ok, so the train I got on was the slow train and it took me and extra 30 minutes to get there, but another lesson learned...make sure you get on the fast train, even if you have to wait 7 minutes. 

The air conditioner was not functioning on my train and I begin to wonder...did I put deodorant on this morning? I cannot, to save my life, remember any details from this morning. I begin to try to (very discreetly) smell my armpits. They don't smell, I think. I arrive at the tube station, get on my tube and have to stand holding one of those overhead bars because the tube is so full. Again...do my pits stink? Is that guy next to me wishing he had a gas mask? Get out of the tube station and it's like Times Square...so many people! Where's Kris? She's not there so I decide, I MUST find deodorant. Walked a bit...found a store and and bought some. Get the pits taken care of, find Kris...finally, I can relax. Had an amazing dinner in Chinatown at a"grotty" but good place and got to know a new person and hear about his impending move to Scotland. 

Friday - stumble out of bed, take a hot shower (yay!) and make my way to
the station. I get to what I think is my platform and quickly realize
that platform 5 is that platform on the way home, not the way to work. I
run...yes run...to what i think is platform 2, hop on the train "in the
nick of time" and note that I am on the wrong train AGAIN. Oops..went to
the left side of the platform instead of the right. Oh well...with all
of my rushing around I missed my train. Next train is in 30 minutes and
I was frankly very happy to have 30 minutes to breathe and to get my
bearings back. 

This is the universe telling me to slow down and to pay
attention. I'm listening. I decide that I'm leaving the office early
today to come home for a nap before I meet Kris and another ex-colleague
of hers tonight and that I will spend the day really focusing
on slowing down and thinking about what I am doing. We'll see how that
goes!